Methods and apparatuses for dispensing fluids

ABSTRACT

A liquid dispensing system for an appliance may generally comprise a housing comprising a compartment for receiving a cartridge comprising a unit dose, a door slidably connected to the housing movable between an open position, a first actuated position, a second actuated position, and a closed position, a first cutting member connected to the compartment for rupturing a first portion of the cartridge when the door is in the first actuated position, a second cutting member connected to the compartment for rupturing a second portion of the cartridge when the door is in the second actuated position, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the compartment configured to establish a gravity flow from the compartment to the reservoir. Methods of making and using the liquid dispensing system are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/502,012, filed Jun. 28, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for dispensingfluids and, more particularly, to apparatuses and methods for dispensingliquids to an appliance or other machine such that the appliance orother machine may use the liquid during an operating cycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various appliances or other machines may be configured to receivefluids. Suitable appliances and machines may include, but are notlimited to, laundry machines, such as a washer and a dryer, fabrictreatment devices, and hard surface cleaning devices. The fluids maycomprise liquids, including, but not limited to, detergents, fabricsofteners, bleaches, fragrances, and any other suitable liquid. Theappliances or machines may use the fluids in various operating cycles.For example, a fluid container including the fluid may be manuallyinserted into the appliances or machines, the fluid may be manuallypoured into a receiving area of the appliances or machines, or the fluidmay be manually poured into a treatment area, such as, for example, awashing basin.

Conventional appliances or machines configured to use fluids in variousoperating cycles and methods of using the same may not be efficient. Forexample, conventional appliances or machines may increase the likelihoodof spillage and/or leakage. Conventional appliances or machines may notbe user friendly and/or user safe. For example, conventional appliancesor machines may suffer from time consuming and/or complex preparation.Conventional appliances or machines may not be configured to accommodatespecific fluid containers. Using the wrong fluid or operating cycle maycause performance deterioration and/or improper fluid distribution.

Accordingly, more user friendly and/or efficient apparatuses and methodsfor dispensing fluids are desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments, a passive liquid dispensing system for anappliance may generally comprise a housing comprising a compartment forreceiving a cartridge comprising a unit dose, a door slidably connectedto the housing movable between an open position, a first actuatedposition, a second actuated position, and a closed position, a firstcutting member connected to the compartment for rupturing a firstportion of the cartridge when the door is in the first actuatedposition, a second cutting member connected to the compartment forrupturing a second portion of the cartridge when the door is in thesecond actuated position, and a reservoir in fluid communication withthe compartment configured to establish a gravity flow from thecompartment to the reservoir. The cartridge may be a rigid cartridgecomprising at least one engagement surface configured to engage thecompartment and a rupture surface configured to engage with the firstcutting member and the second cutting member.

In various embodiments, a liquid dispensing system for an appliance maygenerally comprise a housing comprising a compartment for receiving acartridge comprising a unit dose, a door pivotally connected to thecompartment movable between an open position and a closed position, atleast one compression member adjacent the compartment configured toengage the cartridge, an arm configured to be engaged with the cartridgeto move the arm between a first position and a second position, anengagement member configured to engage the arm when the arm is in thesecond position and the door is in the closed position, a cutting memberconnected to the arm to rupture a portion of the cartridge when theengagement member is engaged with the arm, and a reservoir in fluidcommunication with the compartment configured to establish a gravityflow from the compartment to the reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The various embodiments described herein may be better understood byconsidering the following description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 includes a perspective view of a fluid dispensing systemaccording to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 includes a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 includes a back view of the fluid dispensing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 includes a perspective view of a cartridge according to variousembodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 includes a perspective view of a fluid dispensing systemaccording to various embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 includes a top view of the fluid dispensing system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 includes a side view of the fluid dispensing system of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 includes a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispensing system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 9 includes an exploded view of a fluid dispensing system accordingto various embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 10A and 10B include a side view and a top view, respectively, of acartridge according to various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods described herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thedevices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention.

Various appliances or other machines (hereinafter referred to as“appliances”) may be configured to receive and/or withdraw a liquid froma container, such as, for example, a cartridge comprising a unit dose ofliquid. Suitable appliances for use herein include, but are not limitedto, a fabric refreshing cabinet, a clothing treating apparatus, and ahard surface treating system, such as, for example, a dish washer and anautomatic car wash system. Suitable appliances may be generallydescribed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/076,321,entitled “Cabinet Device”, filed on Jun. 27, 2008; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/564,946, entitled “Method and Apparatus forDispensing Fluids”, filed on Sep. 23, 2009; U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,346,entitled “Clothes treating apparatus”, issued on Feb. 20, 2001; U.S.Pat. No. 6,321,941, entitled “Consumer safe fitment for connecting areservoir to a dispensing appliance”, issued on Nov. 27, 2001; U.S. Pat.No. 6,386,392, entitled “Reservoirs for use with cleaning devices”,issued on May 14, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,335, entitled “Device withimproved fitment system”, issued on May 21, 2002; U.S. Pat. No.6,971,589, entitled “Device with improved fitment system”, issued on May21, 2002; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,589, entitled “Reclosable fitment forconnecting a reservoir to a dispensing appliance”, issued on May 6,2008.

The appliance may use the liquid during an operating cycle. For example,the cartridge may comprise a unit dose of fluid to enable one operatingcycle of the appliance. In various embodiments, the operating cycle maycomprise a washing cycle, a drying cycle, a refreshing cycle, asanitization cycle, and/or any other suitable cycle. In variousembodiments, the liquid may comprise a detergent, a bleach, a fabricsoftener, a fragrance, a wrinkle control liquid, and/or any othersuitable liquid. In various embodiments, the liquid may comprise aslurry, a semi-fluid substance (e.g., a flowable paste or a gel), and/orany suitable aqueous solution, such as, for example, water. Suitableliquids may be generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,840, entitled“Polymer Compositions Having Specified pH for Improved Dispensing andImproved Stability of Wrinkle Reducing Compositions and Methods of Use”,issued on Dec. 10, 2002; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,058, entitled “AqueousWrinkle Control Compositions Dispensed Using Optimal Spray Patterns”,issued on Dec. 17, 2002.

In various embodiments, an appliance may comprise a receiving portioninto which a liquid dispensing system may be inserted. The liquiddispensing system may be formed integral with the receiving portion ofthe appliance and configured to receive a cartridge comprising a unitdose of liquid. The receiving portion may be configured to receive theliquid dispensing system in one of a horizontal orientation, asubstantially horizontal orientation, a vertical orientation, asubstantially vertical orientation, and any other suitable orientation,with respect to the appliance. The terms “substantially horizontal” and“substantially vertical” means that the liquid dispensing system may bepositioned at angles from 0-15°, 1-11°, 5-12°, and 7° from itshorizontal axis or vertical axis. The receiving portion may bepositioned at any suitable angle from the horizontal axis or thevertical axis to allow liquid to be transferred from the cartridge.

In various embodiments, the appliance may comprise a user interface. Aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the user interface maycomprise the aggregate means by which users can interact with theappliance, including, for example, any device or computer programportion of the appliance. The use interface may comprise an input, anoutput, or a combination thereof. The input may allow the user to enterinformation into the appliance to manipulate or control the operation ofthe appliance. The output may allow the appliance to produce effects forthe benefit of the user. In various embodiments, the input and outputmay comprise visual, audio, and tactile devices. In one embodiment, theinput may be configured as a touch keypad and the output may beconfigured as a display, light emitting indicator, and/or audible alarm.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in various embodiments, a liquid dispensingsystem for an appliance may generally comprise a housing 100 comprisinga compartment 110 for receiving a cartridge 120 comprising a unit dose,a door 130 slidably connected to the housing 100 movable between an openposition, a first actuated position, a second actuated position, and aclosed position, a first cutting member 140 connected to the compartmentfor rupturing a first portion of the cartridge 120 when the door 130 isin the first actuated position, a second cutting member 150 connected tothe compartment 110 for rupturing a second portion of the cartridge 120when the door 130 is in the second actuated position, and a reservoir155 in fluid communication with the compartment 110 configured toestablish a gravity flow from the compartment 110 to the reservoir 155.The liquid dispensing system may comprise a passive liquid dispensingsystem. In various embodiments, a passive liquid dispensing system maydispense the fluid from the cartridge 120 solely by gravity flow. Invarious embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise amechanical system lacking electrical means to dispense the fluid and/ordispense the fluid to the appliance solely by gravity flow. In variousembodiments, the liquid may be gravity feed from the cartridge to a pumpto dispense the fluid the appliance.

In various embodiments, the compartment 110 may comprise a track 160configured to slidably receive the cartridge 120. The track 160 maycomprise at least one rail and/or a slot. In various embodiments, thetrack 160 may comprise two rails. The cartridge 120 may be slid alongthe rail and/or the slot between at least a first position and a secondposition. The cartridge 120 may be at least partially engaged with thecompartment 110 when the cartridge is in the first position. Thecartridge 120 may be fully engaged with the compartment 110 when thecartridge is in the second position. The track 160 may prevent, or atleast inhibit, misalignment of the cartridge 120 and the compartment110.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise ablocking plate 170 configured to be engaged with the cartridge 120 toslidably move the blocking plate 170 between a first position and asecond position. The blocking plate 170 may be intermediate thecompartment 110 and the first cutting member 140 when the blocking plate170 is in the first position. The blocking plate 170 may be configuredto prevent a user from accessing the first cutting member 140 when theblocking plate 170 is in the first position. The blocking plate 170 maybe intermediate the cartridge 120 and the first cutting member 140 whenthe blocking plate 170 is in the first position. The blocking plate maybe configured to prevent the first cutting member 140 from rupturing thecartridge 120 when the blocking plate 170 is in the first position. Theblocking plate 170 may be configured to allow access to the cartridge120 by the first cutting member 140 when the blocking plate 170 is inthe second position. The blocking plate 170 may be configured to allowthe first cutting member 140 to rupture the cartridge 120 when theblocking plate 170 is in the second position. The blocking plate 170 mayremain in the first position if a cartridge 120 is not in thecompartment 110 to allow the door, first cutting member 140, and/orsecond cutting member 150 to move freely. The blocking plate 170 mayremain in the first position if a cartridge 120 is not in thecompartment 110 to position the door, first cutting member 140, and/orsecond cutting member 150 in a position other than the cutting position.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise ablocking plate release mechanism 185. The blocking plate 170 maycomprise a pin 180, such as, for example, a blocking plate release pin.The pin 180 may be configured to be engaged with the cartridge 120 toslidably move the blocking plate 180 between the first position and thesecond position. The pin 180 may be movable between a first position anda second position. The pin 180 may be in the first position when thecartridge 120 is in the first position. The pin 180 may be in the secondposition when the cartridge 120 is in the second position. In variousembodiments, the blocking plate release mechanism 185 may be configuredto be engaged with the pin 180. The blocking plate release mechanism 185may comprise a spring-loaded member (not shown). The spring-loadedmember may be biased to position the pin 180 in the first position. Thespring-loaded member may be compressed when the pin 180 is in the secondposition. The blocking plate release mechanism 185 may be configured toretain the blocking plate 170 in the first position when the pin 180 inis the first position. The blocking plate release mechanism 185 may beconfigured to unlock the blocking plate 170 from the first position whenthe pin 180 in is the second position. The blocking plate 170 mayslidably move to the second position when the pin 180 is in the secondposition.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise acompartment latch 190 connected to the compartment 110. The compartmentlatch 190 may be configured to be engaged with the cartridge 120 toretain the cartridge 120 in the compartment 110. The compartment latch190 may engage the cartridge 120 when the cartridge 120 is in the secondposition. The compartment latch 190 may retain the cartridge 120 in thecompartment 110 when the cartridge 120 is in the second position and/orwhen the blocking plate 170 is in the second position. The liquiddispensing system may comprise a release member 195 connected to thecompartment latch 190. The release member 195 may be configured todisengage the compartment latch 190 to release the cartridge 120 fromthe compartment 110. The release member 195 may disengage thecompartment latch 190 when the cartridge 120 is in the second position.The spring-loaded member may return to the biased position when thecompartment latch 190 is disengaged. The spring-loaded member may beconfigured to eject, or at least partially eject, the cartridge 120 whenthe compartment latch 190 is disengaged.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise apositioning arm 200 connected to the door 130 to align the cartridge 120with the first cutting member 130 and/or the second cutting member 150when the door 130 is in at least one of the first actuated position andthe second actuated position. The positioning arm 200 may be configuredto engage at least a portion of the cartridge 120 to position thecartridge 120 in the second position. The positioning arm 200 maycontact an engagement surface of the cartridge 120. The positioning arm200 may be configured to position the cartridge 120 in the secondposition.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise acutting member arm 210 having a first end connected to the door 130 anda second end connected to the first cutting member 140. The firstcutting member 140 may be fixedly connected to the cutting member arm210. The cutting member arm 210 may be configured to allow the firstcutting member 140 to rupture the cartridge 120 when the door 130 is inthe first actuated position. The cutting member arm 210 may beconfigured to allow the first cutting member 140 to rupture thecartridge 120 simultaneously as the positioning arm 200 contacts thecartridge 120. The cutting member arm 210 may be configured to allow thefirst cutting member 140 to rupture the cartridge 120 after thepositioning arm 200 contacts the cartridge 120. The liquid dispensingsystem may comprise a cutting member actuation arm 215. The cuttingmember actuation arm 215 may be intermediate the first end of thecutting member arm 210 and the door 130.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise aventing member arm 220 comprising a first end configured to engage withthe door 130 when the door 130 is in the second actuated position and asecond end connected to the second cutting member 150. The secondcutting member 150 may be pivotally connected to the compartment movablebetween a first position and a second position. The venting member arm220 may comprise a spring-loaded arm. The spring-loaded venting memberarm may be biased to position the door 130 in the open position and/orfirst actuated position. The spring-loaded venting member arm may bebiased to position the second cutting member 150 in the first position.

The spring-loaded venting member arm may be configured to move thesecond cutting member 150 to the second position to rupture thecartridge 120 when the door is in the second actuated position. Theventing member arm 220 may be configured to allow the second cuttingmember 150 to rupture the cartridge 120 simultaneously as the firstcutting member 130 ruptures the cartridge 120. The venting member arm220 may be configured to allow the second cutting member 150 to rupturethe cartridge 120 after the first cutting member 140 ruptures at least aportion, a substantial portion, and/or a complete portion of thecartridge 120. The venting member arm 220 may be configured to allow thesecond cutting member 150 to rupture the cartridge 120 before orsimultaneously as the first cutting member 140 ruptures the cartridge120. The liquid dispensing system may be characterized by dispensing atleast 90%, at least 95%, 99%, at least 99%, or 100%, by volume, of theliquid from the cartridge 120 into the reservoir 155 from 1 second to 30seconds, 1 second to 10 seconds, 1 second to 8 seconds, 1 second to 5seconds, or 1 second to 3 seconds. In various embodiments, the liquiddispensing system may comprise a venting member actuation arm 225. Theventing member actuation arm 225 may be connected to the door 130. Theventing member actuation arm 225 may be configured to engage the ventingmember arm 220 when the door 130 is in the second actuated position.

In various embodiments, the door may comprise a door actuation doorhandle 132 connected to the door 130 to allow the user to move the doorbetween the open position, first actuated position, second actuatedposition, and/or closed position. The door 130 and/or blocking plate 170may be configured to prevent debris from entering compartment 110 and/orsystem. The system may comprise a shroud (not shown) to prevent debrisfrom entering compartment 110 and/or reservoir 155. In variousembodiments, the system may comprise a cutting member fixedly connectedto the housing configured to engage a movable cartridge to rupture thecartridge.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise atleast one lever 230 connected to the compartment 110. The liquiddispensing system may comprise two levers connected to the compartment110. The at least one lever 230 may be configured to engage thecartridge 120 when the cartridge 120 is in the first position and/orsecond position. The liquid dispensing system may comprise a guide rail240 connected to the at least one lever 230. The at least one lever 230may be configured to be engaged with the guide rail 240 to move theguide rail 240 between a first position when the cartridge 120 is not inthe compartment 110 and a second position when the cartridge 120 is inthe compartment 110 and/or the cartridge 120 is in the second position.

In various embodiments, the guide rail 240 may be configured to engagethe cutting member arm 210 to slidably move the cutting member arm 210between a first position when the guide rail 240 is in the firstposition and a second position when the guide rail 240 is in the secondposition. The first cutting member 140 may be offset from thecompartment 110 when the cutting member arm 210 is in the firstposition. The guide rail 240 may be configured to not allow the firstcutting member 140 to contact the blocking plate 170 when the guide rail240 is in the first position. For example, the guide rail 240 mayprevent the first cutting member 140 from contacting the blocking plate170 when the cartridge 120 is not in the compartment 110 and the door isin the first actuated position, second actuated position, and/or closedposition. The first cutting member 140 may be aligned with thecompartment 110 when the cutting member arm 210 is in the secondposition. The guide rail 240 may be configured to allow the firstcutting member 140 to rupture the cartridge 120 when the guide rail 240is in the second position and/or the cartridge 120 is in the secondposition.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise alocking system configured to retain the cartridge 120 in the housing 100and/or compartment 110 for a duration of an operating cycle or at leasta portion of the operating cycle. The locking system may comprise afloat 250 positioned in the reservoir 155 movable between a firstposition when the reservoir 155 lacks fluid and a second position whenfluid is in the reservoir 155. The locking system may comprise a floatlatch 260 connected to the compartment 110 configured to be engaged withthe cartridge 120 to retain the cartridge 120 in the compartment 110when the float 250 is in the second position. The float latch 260 may beconfigured to retain the cartridge 120 in the housing 100 and/orcompartment 110 for the duration of an operating cycle or at least aportion of the operating cycle. In various embodiments, the duration ofthe operating cycle may be the time for at least 50%, at least 75%, atleast 90%, at least 95%, 99%, at least 99%, or 100%, by volume, of theliquid in the reservoir 155 to be dispensed to the apparatus. The floatlatch 260 may be configured to retain the float 250 in the firstposition when the blocking plate 170 is in the first position. The floatlatch 260 may be configured to allow the float 250 to move to the secondposition when the blocking plate 170 is in the second position.

The system may be configured to prevent a second cartridge from enteringthe compartment until the liquid is dispensed. As discussed below, thecartridge 120 may comprise a latch lock 124. The float 250 may rise tothe second position and engage the float latch 260 when liquid is in thereservoir 155. The float latch 260 may engage the latch lock 124 toretain the cartridge 120 in the compartment 110 until the liquid isevacuated, or at least partially evacuated, from the reservoir 155. Thefloat 250 may return to the first position as the liquid is evacuatedfrom the reservoir 155 and disengage the float latch 260 from the latchlock 124 allowing the used cartridge 120 to be removed and a newcartridge to enter the compartment. In various embodiments, thereservoir 155 may comprise a reservoir connector 155 to dispense theliquid to the appliance.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise avented system. A vented system may be configured to rupture a firstportion of the cartridge and a second portion of the cartridge toequalize the pressure between the internal space of the cartridge andthe compartment. The first portion may comprise a discharge point toallow fluid to flow from the cartridge. The second portion may comprisea vent to allow air to enter the cartridge. The fluid may flow from thecartridge at atmospheric pressure. The fluid may flow from the cartridgesolely by gravity. The vented liquid dispensing system may becharacterized by dispensing at least 90%, at least 95%, 99%, at least99%, or 100%, by volume, of the unit dose. Any fluid remaining in thecartridge may evaporate.

In various embodiments, the cartridge 120 may comprise a rigid,semi-rigid, and/or flexible material, such as, for example,polypropylene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low densitypolyethylene, and/or polyethylene terephthalate. The cartridge 120 maybe formed using a extrusion blow molding process, an injection stretchblow molding process, and/or any other suitable process. The cartridgemay comprise any suitable shape, such as, for example, a cube, atetrahedron, a prism, a cylinder, a sphere, a cone, a torus, a pyramidand any combination thereof. Referring to FIG. 4, the cartridge 120 maycomprise a rigid cartridge comprising at least one engagement surface121 configured to engage the compartment 110, and a rupture surface 122configured to engage with the first cutting member 140 and/or the secondcutting member 150. The cartridge 120 may comprise a blocking platerelease tab 123 configured to engage the pin 180 and/or blocking platerelease mechanism 185 allowing the blocking plate 170 to release andfully engage the cartridge 120 into the compartment 110. The cartridge120 may comprise a latch lock 124 configured to engage the float latch260 to retain the cartridge 120 in the compartment 110 when the float250 is in the second position. In various embodiments, the cartridge 520may not self seal upon removal.

There are many manufacturers of counterfeit fluid containers, such as,for example, cartridges 120. Further, there is a chance that a userand/or a counterfeit container manufacturer may refill an authenticcartridge 120 and reuse the cartridge 120 multiple times in theappliance and/or system. This may result in financial losses to themanufacturer of the authentic cartridge 120. Also, there is a chancethat the performance of the appliance and/or system, such as the washquality of clothes, for example, may deteriorate, if a counterfeitcontainer and/or a refilled cartridge 120 is loaded into the system.Furthermore, this counterfeiting may also potentially lead to a loweringof the brand image of the manufacturer of the authentic cartridge 120,system, and/or apparatus.

In view of the above-discussed issues, in various embodiments, thecompartment 110 and/or cartridge 120 may comprise various interlockingfeatures configured to prevent, or at least minimize opportunities for,inserting a counterfeit and/or improper container into the system. Invarious embodiments, the cartridge 120 may comprise a receiving apertureand the compartment 110 may comprise at least one projection and/orreceiving post, or vice-versa, for example, such that the aperture ofthe cartridge 120 may be engaged with the at least one projection orreceiving post. In various embodiments, the compartment 110 may beconfigured to only receive an authentic cartridge 120. The compartment110 may comprise a different length and/or a different dimensioncorresponding to only an authentic cartridge 120 and/or a particulartype of cartridge 120. For example, only an authentic cartridge 120having complimentary features may be able to be inserted into thatparticular compartment 110 and interlock and/or engage with the variousfeatures of the compartment. In various embodiments, the compartment 110may comprise an interface exclusive to an authentic cartridge.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, in various embodiments, a liquid dispensingsystem for an appliance may generally comprise a housing 500 comprisinga compartment 510 for receiving a cartridge 520 comprising a unit dose,a door 530 connected to the compartment 510 movable between an openposition and a closed position, at least one compression member 540adjacent the compartment 510 configured to engage the cartridge 520, anarm 550 configured to be engaged with the cartridge 520 to move the arm550 between a first position and a second position, an engagement member560 configured to engage the arm 550 when the arm 550 is in the secondposition and the door 530 is in the closed position, a cutting member570 connected to the arm 550 to rupture a portion of the cartridge 520when the engagement member 560 is engaged with the arm 550, and areservoir 580 in fluid communication with the compartment 510 configuredto establish a gravity flow from the compartment 510 to the reservoir580. In various embodiments, the system may be configured to applypositive pressure to the cartridge 520 to dispense the fluid from thecartridge 520. In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system maycomprise a mechanical system lacking electrical means to dispense thefluid and/or dispense the fluid to the appliance solely by gravity flow.

In various embodiments, the compartment 510 may comprise a recessedcartridge entrance 509. The compartment 510 may comprise a track 514configured to slidably receive the cartridge 520. The track 514 maycomprise at least one rail and/or a slot. In various embodiments, thetrack 514 may comprise two rails. The cartridge 520 may be slid alongthe rail and/or the slot between at least a first position and a secondposition. The cartridge 520 may be at least partially engaged with thecompartment 510 when the cartridge 520 is in the first position. Thecartridge 520 may be fully engaged with the compartment 510 when thecartridge 520 is in the second position. The track 514 may prevent, orat least inhibit, misalignment of the cartridge 520 with the compartment510.

In various embodiments, the arm 550 may be configured to be engaged withthe cartridge 520 to move the arm 550 between a first position and asecond position. For example the arm 550 may be in the first positionwhen no cartridge 520 is in the compartment 510. The arm 550 may be inthe second position when a cartridge 520 is in the compartment 510and/or the cartridge 520 is in the second position. The engagementmember 560 may be configured not to engage the arm 550 when the arm 550is in the first position and the door 530 is in the closed position. Theengagement member 560 may be configured not to engage the arm 550 whenthe door 530 is in the open position. The engagement member 560 may beconfigured to engage the arm 550 when the arm 550 is in the secondposition and the door 530 is in the closed position. The cutting member570 may be configured to rupture a portion of the cartridge 520 when theengagement member 560 is engaged with the arm 550 and/or the door 530 isin the closed position. The cutting member 570 may be configured not torupture a portion of the cartridge 520 when the door 530 is in the openposition and/or the arm 550 is in the first position.

In various embodiments, the housing 500 may comprise at least onecompression spring 545 configured to engage the at least one compressionmember 540. The at least one compression spring 545 may be biased toapply a positive pressure to the at least one compression member 540.The at least one compression member 540 may be configured to apply apositive pressure to the cartridge 520. The at least one compressionmember 540 may apply pressure to a portion of the cartridge 520 oppositefrom the ruptured portion. The at least one compression member 540 mayapply pressure to a portion of the cartridge 520 proximate to theruptured portion. In various embodiments, the pressure applied to theportion of the cartridge 520 proximate to the ruptured portion may beless than or equal to the pressure applied to the portion of thecartridge 520 opposite from the ruptured portion. The positive pressuremay cause the fluid to flow from the cartridge 520 in the direction ofthe rupture.

In various embodiments, the compartment 510 may be intermediate a firstcompression member 540A and a second compression member 540B. Thehousing 500 may comprise at least one first compression spring 545Aconfigured to engage the first compression member 540A. The housing 500may comprise at least one second compression spring 545B configured toengage the second compression member 540B. The housing 500 may comprisea compression spring post 546 intermediate the at least one compressionmember 540 and the at least one compression spring 545. The housing 500may comprise at least one compression spring separator 546. In variousembodiments, the positive pressure may be sufficient to cause at least75%, at least 90%, at least 95%, 99%, at least 99%, or 100%, by volume,of the fluid to flow from the cartridge 520.

In various embodiments, the compartment 510 may be intermediate a firstcompression member 540A configured to engage the cartridge 520 when thecartridge 520 is in the compartment 510 and a second compression member540B configured to engage the cartridge 520 when the door 530 is in theclosed position. For example, the first compression member 540A may beconfigured to apply positive pressure to the cartridge 520 when thecartridge is in the compartment 510 and the door 530 is in the openposition and/or closed position. The second compression member 540B maybe configured to apply positive pressure to the cartridge 520 when thecartridge is in the compartment 510 and the door 530 is in the closedposition. The first compression member 540A and/or second compressionmember 540B may be configured not to apply positive pressure to thecartridge 520 when the door 530 is in the open position.

In various embodiments, the door 530 may be pivotally connected to thehousing 500. The housing 500 may comprise at least one door pivot post501. The housing 500 may comprise an actuation door spring 502. The door530 may comprise at least one actuation door pivot 531 configured toengage the at least one door pivot post 501 and/or actuation door spring502. The actuation door spring 502 may be biased to position the door530 in the open position. The compartment 510 may comprise at least oneretaining rail 512. The housing may comprise at least one retaining railtab 513. The at least one retaining rail 512 configured to engage the atleast one retaining rail tab 513 to retain the door 530 in the closedposition. The housing 500 may comprise a spring-loaded door latch 504.The door 530 may comprise a door latch 533 configured to engage thespring-loaded door latch 504 to retain the door 530 in the closedposition. The door 530 may comprise a door lock 534 configured to engagethe housing 500 to retain the door 530 in the closed position. Thehousing 500 may comprise a door release 503 configured to release the atleast one retaining rail 512, door latch 533, door lock 534, and/orspring-loaded door latch 504 from the at least one retaining rail tab513 and/or housing 500 to allow the door 530 to move to the openposition.

In various embodiments, the housing may comprise a catch tray 590 influid communication with the reservoir 580. The catch tray 590 maycomprise a release opening 521. The catch tray 590 may comprise a catchtray director 591. The catch tray 590 may comprise a transfer duct 592.The catch tray 590 may be configured to collect and/or direct the liquidflowing from the cartridge 520 to the reservoir 580. The liquid may flowfrom the cartridge 520 through the release opening 521 to the catch tray590. The catch tray 590 may collect the liquid flowing from thecartridge 520. The liquid may flow from the catch tray 590 to the catchtray director 591. The liquid may flow from the catch tray director 591to the transfer duct 592. The liquid may flow from the transfer duct 592to the reservoir 580. In various embodiments, the reservoir 580 maycomprise a reservoir connector 585 to dispense the liquid to theappliance.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may comprise alocking system configured to retain the cartridge 520 in the housing 500and/or compartment 510 for a duration of an operating cycle or at leasta portion of the operating cycle. The locking system may comprise apivoting reservoir 580 movable between a first position when thereservoir 580 lacks liquid and a second position when liquid is in thereservoir 580, a pin 581 connected to the compartment 510, and a latch582 connected to the reservoir 580 configured to engage the pin 581 whenthe reservoir 580 is in the second position to retain the compartment510 in the housing 500. The latch 582 may be configured to retain thecartridge 520 in the compartment 510 for a duration of an operatingcycle or at least a portion of the operating cycle. In variousembodiments, the duration of the operating cycle may be the time for atleast 50%, at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95%, 99%, at least 99%,or 100%, by volume, of the liquid in the reservoir 580 to be dispensedto the apparatus.

The system may be configured to prevent a second cartridge from enteringthe compartment until the liquid is dispensed. For example, thereservoir 580 may pivot from the first position to the second positionwhen liquid is in the reservoir 580. The latch 582 may engage the pin581 to retain the cartridge 520 in the compartment 510 until the liquidis evacuated, or at least partially evacuated, from the reservoir 580.The reservoir may pivot from the second position to the first positionas the liquid is evacuated from the reservoir 580 and disengage thelatch 582 from the pin 581 allowing the used cartridge 520 to be removedand a new cartridge to enter the compartment. In various embodiments,the reservoir 580 may comprise a reservoir connector 585 to dispense theliquid to the appliance.

In various embodiments, the cartridge may comprise a rigid, semi-rigid,and/or flexible material, such as, for example, polypropylene,polyethylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene,and/or polyethylene terephthalate. The cartridge may comprise alaminated foil or a multilayer film. The cartridge 520 may be formedusing a file extrusion process, a vertical form fill and seal process,and/or any other suitable process. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, thecartridge 520 may comprise a flexible cartridge comprising at least oneengagement surface 521 configured to engage the compartment 510 and arupture surface 522 configured to engage with the cutting member 570.The cartridge 520 may comprise an arm engagement surface 523 configuredto engage the arm 550 allowing the arm 550 to move to the secondposition and fully engage the cartridge 520 into the compartment 510. Invarious embodiments, the cartridge 520 may not self seal upon removal.

In various embodiments, a kit may comprise any of the liquid dispensingsystems and/or any of the cartridges described herein. The kit may beconfigured to provide a liquid to an appliance. In various embodiments,the kit may comprise at least one cartridge to be used with a passiveliquid dispensing system for an appliance comprising a housingcomprising a compartment for receiving a cartridge comprising a unitdose, a door slidably connected to the housing movable between an openposition, a first actuated position, a second actuated position, and aclosed position, a first cutting member connected to the compartment forrupturing a first portion of the cartridge when the door is in the firstactuated position, a second cutting member connected to the compartmentfor rupturing a second portion of the cartridge when the door is in thesecond actuated position, and a reservoir in fluid communication withthe compartment configured to establish a gravity flow from thecompartment to the reservoir.

In various embodiments, the kit may comprise at least one cartridge tobe used with a liquid dispensing system for an appliance comprising ahousing comprising a compartment for receiving a cartridge comprising aunit dose, a door pivotally connected to the compartment movable betweenan open position and a closed position, at least one compression memberadjacent the compartment configured to engage the cartridge, an armconfigured to be engaged with the cartridge to move the arm between afirst position and a second position, an engagement member configured toengage the arm when the arm is in the second position and the door is inthe closed position, a cutting member connected to the arm to cut aportion of the cartridge when the engagement member is engaged with thearm, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the compartmentconfigured to establish a gravity flow from the compartment to thereservoir.

In various embodiments, a method of supplying liquid to an appliance maygenerally comprise inserting any of the cartridges described herein intoany of the liquid dispensing systems described herein, and causing theliquid to flow from the cartridge to the appliance by gravity. Invarious embodiments, the method may comprise inserting a cartridgecomprising a unit dose into a housing comprising a compartment forreceiving the cartridge when a door slidably connected to the housing isin a first position, sliding the door to a first actuated position toactuate a first cutting member connected to the compartment to rupture afirst portion of the cartridge, sliding the door to a second actuatedposition to actuate a second cutting member connected to the compartmentto rupture a second portion of the cartridge. The liquid in thecartridge may flow from the cartridge to the compartment by gravity. Theliquid may flow from the compartment to a reservoir in fluidcommunication with the compartment by gravity. In various embodiments,the system may be completely purged after each unit dose is dispensed.

In various embodiments, a method of supplying liquid to a liquiddispensing system may generally comprise inserting a cartridgecomprising a unit dose into any of the liquid dispensing systemsdescribed herein. The method may comprise inserting a cartridgecomprising a unit dose into a housing comprising a compartment forreceiving the cartridge; sliding a door pivotally connected to thecompartment from an open position and a closed position; engaging thecartridge with a cutting member connected to the compartment to rupturea portion of the cartridge; engaging the cartridge with at least onecompression member adjacent the compartment to cause fluid to flow fromthe cartridge to the compartment. The liquid may flow from thecompartment to a reservoir in fluid communication with the compartmentby gravity. In various embodiments, the system may be completely purgedafter each unit dose is dispensed.

In various embodiments, the liquid dispensing system may be configuredto enable safe and/or consumer friendly placement of the cartridge intothe system. The liquid dispensing system may be characterized byminimized technical complexities and/or consumer complexities. Theliquid dispensing system may be configured to prevent a cartridge notconfigured to be used with the system from being positioned in thecompartment and/or system. The liquid dispensing system may beconfigured to prevent a second cartridge from being positioned in thecompartment when a cartridge is in the compartment. The liquiddispensing system may be configured to reduce or eliminate leakage fromthe cartridge, compartment, and/or system when the cartridge is removedfrom the compartment and/or system. The liquid dispensing system and/orcartridge may be configured to prevent liquid from entering theapparatus unless a cartridge is in the compartment.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention areincorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not tobe construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to thepresent invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of aterm in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definitionof the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning ordefinition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A passive liquid dispensing system for an appliance, the liquiddispensing system comprising: a housing comprising a compartment forreceiving a cartridge comprising a unit dose; a door slidably connectedto the housing movable between an open position, a first actuatedposition, a second actuated position, and a closed position; a firstcutting member connected to the compartment for rupturing a firstportion of the cartridge when the door is in the first actuatedposition; a second cutting member connected to the compartment forrupturing a second portion of the cartridge when the door is in thesecond actuated position; and a reservoir in fluid communication withthe compartment configured to establish a gravity flow from thecompartment to the reservoir.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein thecompartment comprises a track configured to slidably receive thecartridge.
 3. The system of claim 1 comprising a blocking plateconfigured to be engaged with the cartridge to slidably move theblocking plate between a first position and a second position, whereinthe blocking plate is intermediate the cartridge and the first cuttingmember when the blocking plate is in the first position, and theblocking plate is configured to allow access to the cartridge by thefirst cutting member when the blocking plate is in the second position.4. The system of claim 3 comprising a compartment latch connected to thecompartment configured to be engaged with the cartridge to retain thecartridge in the compartment when the blocking plate is in the secondposition.
 5. The system of claim 4 comprising a release member connectedto the compartment latch for disengaging the compartment latch to unlockthe cartridge from the compartment.
 6. The system of claim 1 comprisinga positioning arm connected to the door to align the cartridge with thefirst cutting member and the second cutting member when the door is inat least one of the first actuated position and the second actuatedposition.
 7. The system of claim 1 comprising: a cutting member armhaving a first end connected to the door and a second end connected tothe first cutting member; and at least one lever connected to thecompartment configured to be engaged with a guide rail to move the guiderail between a first position when the cartridge is not in thecompartment and a second position when the cartridge is in thecompartment; wherein the guide rail is configured to engage the cuttingmember arm to slidably move the cutting member arm between a firstposition when the guide rail is in the first position and a secondposition when the guide rail is in the second position; wherein thefirst cutting member is offset from the compartment when the cuttingmember arm is in the first position and the first cutting member isaligned with the compartment when the cutting member arm is in thesecond position.
 8. The system of claim 1 comprising a venting memberarm comprising a first end configured to engage with the door when thedoor is in the second actuated position and a second end connected tothe second cutting member.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondcutting member is configured to rupture the second portion of thecartridge after the first cutting member ruptures the first portion ofthe cartridge.
 10. The system of claim 1 comprising a locking systemcomprising: a float positioned in the reservoir movable between a firstposition when the reservoir lacks fluid and a second position when fluidis in the reservoir; a float latch connected to the compartmentconfigured to be engaged with the cartridge to retain the cartridge inthe compartment when float is in the second position.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the float latch is configured to retain the cartridgein the compartment for a duration of an operating cycle.
 12. The systemof claim 10 comprising a blocking plate configured to be engaged withthe cartridge to slidably move the blocking plate between a firstposition and a second position, wherein the float latch is configured toretain the float in the first position when the blocking plate is in thefirst position, and the float latch is configured to allow the float tomove to the second position when the blocking plate is in the secondposition
 13. The system of claim 1 comprising a vented systemcharacterized by dispensing about 99%, by volume, of the unit dose. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is a rigid cartridgecomprising: at least one engagement surface configured to engage thecompartment; and a rupture surface configured to engage with the firstcutting member and the second cutting member.
 15. A liquid dispensingsystem for an appliance, the liquid dispensing system comprising: ahousing comprising a compartment for receiving a cartridge comprising aunit dose; a door connected to the compartment movable between an openposition and a closed position; at least one compression member adjacentthe compartment configured to engage the cartridge; an arm configured tobe engaged with the cartridge to move the arm between a first positionand a second position; an engagement member configured to engage the armwhen the arm is in the second position and the door is in the closedposition; a cutting member connected to the arm to rupture a portion ofthe cartridge when the engagement member is engaged with the arm; and areservoir in fluid communication with the compartment configured toestablish a gravity flow from the compartment to the reservoir.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein the compartment comprises a track configuredto slidably receive the cartridge.
 17. The system of claim 15, whereinthe compartment is intermediate a first compression member configured toengage the cartridge when the cartridge is in the compartment and asecond compression member configured to engage the cartridge when thedoor is in the closed position.
 18. The system of claim 15 comprising alocking system, the locking system comprising: a pivoting reservoirmovable between a first position when the reservoir lacks liquid and asecond position when liquid is in the reservoir; a pin connected to thecompartment; and a latch connected to the reservoir configured to engagethe pin when the reservoir is in the second position to retain thecompartment in the housing.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein thelatch is configured to retain the cartridge in the compartment for aduration of an operating cycle.
 20. The system of claim 15, wherein thecartridge is a flexible cartridge comprising: at least one engagementsurface configured to engage the compartment; and a rupture surfaceconfigured to engage with the cutting member.